What is There to Do in Sausalito? A Comprehensive Activity Guide from Jeff Marples
What is there to do in Sausalito? Sausalito offers a wealth of activities including waterfront dining at acclaimed restaurants like The Trident and Scoma's, scenic strolls along Bridgeway Promenade, visits to cultural attractions such as the Bay Model and Bay Area Discovery Museum, shopping at unique boutiques and art galleries, outdoor adventures like kayaking and paddleboarding, and easy access to world-class day trips to Muir Woods, Napa, and Sonoma.
Introduction: Sausalito's Unique Charm
Nestled on the shores of Richardson Bay just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Sausalito combines Mediterranean village charm with distinctly Northern Californian character. As a long-time Sausalito resident and real estate expert, I've had the pleasure of exploring every corner of this picturesque waterfront community and helping countless clients discover its unique appeal.
Whether you're visiting for a day trip, enjoying a weekend getaway, or considering making Sausalito your home, this guide highlights the best this enchanting coastal town has to offer in 2025. From waterfront dining to cultural attractions, outdoor adventures to shopping experiences, I've compiled local favorites and hidden gems to help you make the most of your time in Sausalito.
Dining: Sausalito's Waterfront Culinary Scene
Sausalito's dining scene offers everything from casual waterfront eateries to upscale culinary destinations, with fresh seafood and stunning views as consistent highlights.
Premier Waterfront Dining Experiences
These restaurants combine exceptional cuisine with spectacular views:
- The Trident: A historic waterfront institution offering panoramic bay views and California coastal cuisine. What was once a 1960s hangout for music legends has evolved into a premier dining destination while maintaining its historic charm.
- Scoma's Sausalito: A family-owned waterfront restaurant specializing in fresh seafood with a "pier to plate" philosophy that emphasizes locally caught fish and traditional preparations.
- Barrel House Tavern: Housed in what was once Sausalito's first ferry terminal, this restaurant features contemporary twists on rustic comfort food alongside breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay and the city skyline.
- Dita's Marin: One of Sausalito's newest waterfront additions, offering an upscale menu featuring Pacific King Salmon with Schezchuan chili sauce, Australian lamb rack, and vegetarian options like roasted corn risotto with Mt. Tam Triple Crème Brie.
Local Favorites and Hidden Gems
Beyond the waterfront, don't miss these beloved local establishments:
- Poggio Trattoria: A cozy Italian spot serving Northern Italian cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. Their Salone Brescia offers a charming setting with harbor views.
- Taste of Rome: A local staple for casual Italian fare and coffee, perfect for a relaxed meal.
- Lighthouse Café: A breakfast institution bringing Scandinavian flair to American classics since 1992, with specialties like Danish meatballs and Norwegian salmon.
- Fish: Located slightly away from the main tourist areas, this sustainable seafood restaurant is worth the short trip for incredibly fresh, simply prepared seafood.
- Lappert's Ice Cream: A must-visit for dessert lovers, often identifiable by the line of customers waiting to sample their rich, creamy flavors.
Wine Tasting in Sausalito
For wine enthusiasts, Sausalito offers several excellent tasting opportunities:
- Bacchus and Venus: Offering curated flights of red, white, and sweet wines paired with savory or sweet treats.
- Hanson of Sonoma: A tasting room featuring locally made vodka paired with caviar, charcuterie, and chocolate.
Activities and Attractions: Exploring Sausalito's Highlights
Sausalito offers diverse attractions appealing to art lovers, history buffs, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Must-Visit Cultural Attractions
- Bay Model Visitor Center: This 1.5-acre working model of the San Francisco Bay simulates tidal conditions, offering a fascinating educational experience. Admission is free, making it an excellent activity for visitors of all ages.
- Bay Area Discovery Museum: A premier children's museum located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, featuring interactive exhibits, a climbing wall, and educational programs designed for young families.
- Sausalito Center for the Arts: Opened in 2021, this vibrant venue hosts exhibitions, performances, and cultural events throughout the year, showcasing the works of local and national artists.
- The Marine Mammal Center: Recently reopened, this rehabilitation facility for seals and sea lions offers visitors the opportunity to learn about marine conservation while observing these fascinating animals being nursed back to health.
- Sausalito Ice House Museum: Featuring artifacts from Sausalito's rich history, with knowledgeable docents providing insights into the town's evolution from military shipyard to artistic haven.
Scenic Walks and Views
- Bridgeway Promenade: The quintessential Sausalito stroll offering spectacular views of San Francisco, Angel Island, and Alcatraz across the bay. This waterfront walkway features old-fashioned street lamps with decorative hanging flower pots and numerous photo opportunities.
- Excelsior Staircase: A scenic detour from Bridgeway that provides lovely perspectives of the Vina del Mar fountain and yacht marina.
- Vista Point: While technically just outside Sausalito, this lookout at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge offers stunning views of San Francisco and the bridge itself.
- Marin Headlands: Just a short drive from Sausalito, these hills provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, and the Pacific Ocean.
Outdoor Adventures
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rent equipment from Sea Trek or Boardsports Marin for a unique water-level perspective of Sausalito and the bay.
- Biking: Sausalito is a popular destination for cyclists crossing the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Local rental shops offer bikes for exploring the town and surrounding areas.
- Sausalito Boardwalk: A relaxing spot for a stroll along Richardson Bay, often frequented by locals.
- Rodeo Beach: A beautiful coastal spot just a short drive from Sausalito, perfect for a beach day or coastal hike.
Shopping: Boutiques, Galleries, and Local Artisans
Sausalito's shopping scene is characterized by independent boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores offering unique treasures.
Art Galleries and Studios
- Gallery Sausalito: Featuring contemporary art with an emphasis on texture and color. Visitors can often see resident artist Sue Averell working in this combination gallery and studio space.
- The ICB Building: Home to over 100 artists' studios, many of which are open to the public, especially during open studio events.
- Studio 333: A large gallery space showcasing the works of over 25 local artists, designers, and jewelers.
- Hanson Gallery: Specializing in fine art with an emphasis on contemporary works and master prints.
Boutique Shopping
- Bridgeway Shopping: The main shopping street featuring eclectic boutiques, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops.
- Caledonia Street: Slightly away from the main tourist area, this street offers more locally-oriented shopping with unique boutiques and specialty stores.
- Princess Street: A charming brick walkway lined with shops and galleries in the heart of downtown.
- Amour Vert: A sustainable clothing boutique featuring eco-friendly fashion since 2010.
- Love Marin: Offering local landscape photography, apparel, and handmade decor.
Specialty Shops and Local Products
- Munchies Candies: A beloved candy shop featuring handmade confections and imported treats.
- Only in Sausalito: A general store with a wide variety of Sausalito-themed apparel and souvenirs.
- Driver's Market: A local grocery store specializing in organic and locally-sourced products.
- Venice Gourmet Deli: A longtime local favorite for sandwiches and specialty food items.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Sausalito hosts various events that showcase the town's artistic heritage and community spirit.
Annual Highlights
- Sausalito Art Festival: Historically held Labor Day weekend, this internationally acclaimed festival features the work of over 270 artists across 14 disciplines, alongside live music, food, and beverages. Note: The festival has been on hiatus in recent years due to venue issues but check their website for the latest updates on its return.
- Opening Day on the Bay: A colorful boat parade in late April marking the official start of the boating season.
- Sausalito Art Walk: Monthly art walks allow visitors to explore galleries and meet local artists.
Upcoming 2025 Events at Sausalito Center for the Arts
- Marin Open Studios Preview Gallery: April 25 - May 11, 2025, featuring work from 275 participating artists.
- National Sculpture Society Juried Show: May 17 - June 15, 2025, showcasing sculptures from artists residing west of the Rockies.
- Sausalito Plein Air Exhibition: August 18 - September 14, 2025, celebrating the work of plein air artists capturing Sausalito's scenic beauty.
Day Trips from Sausalito
Sausalito serves as an ideal base for exploring some of Northern California's most spectacular destinations.
Muir Woods National Monument
Just a 15-20 minute drive from Sausalito, Muir Woods offers the opportunity to walk among ancient coastal redwoods, some of which are over 1,200 years old and reach heights of more than 250 feet.
Planning Tips for Muir Woods:
- Reservations are required for parking or shuttle service
- The park is busiest midday; early morning or late afternoon visits offer a more peaceful experience
- Allow at least 90 minutes to properly explore the main trails
- Several tour companies offer combined Muir Woods and Sausalito tours from San Francisco
Wine Country Excursions
Napa and Sonoma Valleys, two of the world's premier wine regions, are just 30-45 minutes north of Sausalito.
Wine Country Highlights:
- Sonoma Plaza: A historic town square surrounded by tasting rooms, restaurants, and shops
- Sonoma Valley Wineries: Known for excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel
- Napa Valley: Home to world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon producers and luxury wine experiences
- Combined Tours: Several companies offer day trips that combine Muir Woods, Sausalito, and wine country visits
Angel Island State Park
Accessible by ferry from Tiburon (a short drive from Sausalito), Angel Island offers hiking, biking, and historical sites with panoramic bay views.
Angel Island Adventures:
- Hike or bike the 5-mile perimeter road
- Visit the Immigration Station museum
- Take a tram tour of the island
- Enjoy a picnic with spectacular 360° views of the Bay Area
Point Reyes National Seashore
About an hour's drive north of Sausalito, Point Reyes offers dramatic coastal scenery, wildlife viewing, and historic sites.
Point Reyes Highlights:
- Point Reyes Lighthouse
- Tule Elk Reserve
- Bear Valley Visitor Center
- Numerous hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging
Transportation: Getting To and Around Sausalito
From San Francisco to Sausalito
- Ferry: Regular service from San Francisco's Ferry Building or Fisherman's Wharf to Sausalito, offering spectacular views along the way
- Golden Gate Bridge: Drive or cycle across the iconic bridge (approximately 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco)
- Public Transit: Golden Gate Transit buses connect San Francisco to Sausalito
- Tour Companies: Numerous operators offer combined Sausalito tours with other attractions
Getting Around Sausalito
- Walking: Downtown Sausalito is compact and walkable
- Biking: Rentals available for exploring beyond the downtown area
- Driving: Convenient for reaching attractions outside the main tourist area
- Marin Transit: Local bus service connects different parts of Sausalito and nearby communities
Where to Stay: Accommodations in Sausalito
For visitors wishing to extend their Sausalito experience beyond a day trip, the town offers several distinctive accommodation options.
Luxury Accommodations
- The Inn Above Tide: Waterfront luxury hotel with stunning views from private decks, located steps from downtown shops and restaurants
- Cavallo Point Lodge: Historic luxury resort at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, offering spa services and fine dining at Murray Circle restaurant
- Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa: A blend of modern and Victorian architecture perched on the hillside with beautiful bay views
Mid-Range and Boutique Options
- Hotel Sausalito: Centrally located boutique hotel within walking distance of shopping and dining
- The Gables Inn: Historic inn offering bed and breakfast accommodations in a charming setting
Budget-Friendly Choices
- HI Sausalito Marin Headlands Hostel: Affordable dormitory and private rooms in a historic building within the Marin Headlands
Local Tips: Making the Most of Your Sausalito Visit
Best Times to Visit
- Spring (April-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds, and blooming flowers make this an ideal time to visit
- Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures and numerous outdoor events, though this is also peak tourist season
- Fall (September-October): Pleasant weather continues with fewer crowds after Labor Day
- Winter (November-March): The quietest season, with occasional rain but also many clear, crisp days perfect for viewing San Francisco across the bay
Insider Recommendations
- Visit on weekdays if possible to avoid weekend crowds
- Take the first ferry from San Francisco for the most peaceful morning experience
- Explore beyond Bridgeway to discover local favorites on Caledonia Street
- Consider the weather when planning – Sausalito is often sunny when San Francisco is foggy
- Sunset is a magical time for waterfront dining with views of the San Francisco lights coming on across the bay
Conclusion: The Sausalito Experience
Sausalito offers a unique blend of natural beauty, artistic heritage, culinary excellence, and convenient access to some of Northern California's most iconic destinations. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely meal overlooking the bay, browsing unique galleries and boutiques, kayaking along the waterfront, or using the town as a base for exploring wine country and redwood forests, Sausalito provides an experience that combines relaxed coastal charm with sophisticated amenities.
As a long-time resident, I continue to discover new facets of this remarkable community and take pleasure in sharing its treasures with visitors and potential residents alike. I hope this guide helps you create your own memorable Sausalito experience, whether for an afternoon visit or an extended stay in our beautiful bay-side town.
For personalized recommendations or information about Sausalito real estate opportunities, please call me directly at (415) 336.9695. I look forward to helping you discover everything Sausalito has to offer!
